Transfer Portal

[Brickman2020]

It's the off season so this is the time for these type of debates but I feel like the state should not have relaxed the transfer rules. It is already getting out of hand and it is only going to get worse with kids going to 2-3 high schools to find "better situations."

The thing that really needs to stop are the student athletes making social media posts about it, so ridiculous

[Nutsy]

It’s a sign of the times… it builds up some programs but tears down others. There has to be a middle of the road solution. Four different schools in four years is not warranted under any situation. Any coach that puts undue pressure on a student athlete for transfer should be sanctioned by the IHSAA. Prove me wrong.

Nut

[Regioncoach85]

I’m still on the fence about it. It’s good in some ways. For example, we had a few kids from portage go to calumet who would not of seen the field or very little playing time, and ended up being starters. At least one of those kids turned that opportunity into a football scholarship to continue his education. That’s why I like the transfer rule.

[Nutsy]

You make some excellent points and this was a perfect storm. There is a world of difference between DAC and GSSC conferences. Benchwarmers in one conference become starters in the other. A win win situation… I’m sure there was not excessive coach pressure to transfer in this case. I don’t have any specific cases to quote with multiple transfers, I believe one transfer is all that should be allowed. Just my two cents.

Nut

[kvkougar2007]

I’m old school, and I’ll admit it, but I hate seeing kids transfer away from the district they grew up in.

Maybe I’m getting on my soapbox here, but there was always something special about watching a kid stick it out. Maybe he barely saw the field as a sophomore because there were older, better players ahead of him. Maybe he spent two years grinding in practice, lifting weights, and waiting for his opportunity. Then as a senior, he finally earns that starting spot.

To me, that’s what high school football is supposed to be about.

It’s not always about finding the easiest path to playing time or joining the team with the best chance to win. There’s value in competing with the same group of kids you grew up with, the same teammates you’ve been battling alongside since youth football. Those guys become brothers.

And when that group finally makes a run at a sectional or regional title, it means something different because they built it together. They took their lumps together, developed together, and earned it together.

I know times have changed and transfers aren’t going away. But I’ll always have a soft spot for the kids who stay, work, wait their turn, and help build something in their own community.